Rortvedt returns to Dodgers after brief Mets stint
Rortvedt returned to the Dodgers, completing another chapter in his journeyman catching career.
Event / Sports
MLB 2026 Trade Deadline
Mid-season trades and player acquisitions during the 2026 MLB season, including deals involving teams competing for playoff positions.
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2026-08-13 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Aug, 01:23 UTC
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What happened
Dodgers acquire catcher Ben Rortvedt from Mets at trade deadline
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Chayce McDermott on the trade deadline. Rortvedt, 28, had been playing for the Mets' Triple-A affiliate Syracuse, where he batted .235 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 48 games. McDermott, a 27-year-old right-hander, had been designated for assignment by the Dodgers after allowing two runs in 2.1 innings across two relief appearances.
Chayce McDermott designated for assignment then traded to Mets
Right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott was designated for assignment by the Dodgers after a poor performance in the majors and was subsequently traded to the Mets as part of the Rortvedt deal. McDermott had a 4.10 ERA in 26.1 Triple-A innings since being acquired from the Orioles in April. The 27-year-old had only fleeting major league opportunities with a 20 earned runs allowed in 15 innings pitched.
Ben Rortvedt's career path through MLB organizations
Ben Rortvedt has played for four MLB organizations across his career spanning four seasons. After starting with the Minnesota Twins in 2021 and later playing for the New York Yankees in 2023, he was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He joined the Dodgers partway through 2024 and now returns to the organization. In 227 career MLB games, Rortvedt has recorded a .190 batting average with nine home runs and 52 RBIs.
Dodgers facing catching depth issues due to injuries
The Dodgers' catching depth has been challenged by injuries to key players. Starting catcher Will Smith has been on the injured list for nearly two months with an inflamed disk in his neck and an uncertain return timeline. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing has also been dealing with an arm/elbow issue that forced him to miss recent games. These injuries prompted the team's move to acquire Rortvedt for additional catching depth.
Rortvedt returns to Dodgers after playoff success last season
Catcher Ben Rortvedt is returning to the Dodgers for the second consecutive season. Last year, he started the Dodgers' first four playoff games while Will Smith recovered from a hand fracture, posting a .429 batting average in those four postseason games. In 18 regular-season games with the Dodgers in 2024, he had a .224 batting average with one home run and four RBIs.
Seattle Mariners acquire outfielder Taylor Ward from Baltimore Orioles
The Seattle Mariners traded for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward in exchange for three minor league pitchers: Brock Moore, Alex Hoppe, and Harrison Kreiling. Ward, 32, is a rental set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Seattle Mariners positioned two games out of Wild Card spot
The Seattle Mariners hold a record of 55-58, positioning them two games out of the final American League Wild Card spot and three games behind the division-leading Houston Astros.
Baltimore Orioles 2.5 games out of Wild Card contention
The Baltimore Orioles remain 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot after trading Taylor Ward, signaling a potential shift away from competing for the postseason despite their proximity to a playoff position.
Taylor Ward hit 36 home runs in 2025 with Los Angeles Angels
Taylor Ward set a career high with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs during the 2025 season while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, demonstrating significant power potential despite his reduced power output in 2026.
Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley placed on injured list
Starting right fielder Luke Raley for the Seattle Mariners was placed on the injured list due to a left forearm strain, creating a need for outfield depth that prompted the Taylor Ward acquisition.
Taylor Ward leads American League in walks with 87
Taylor Ward has recorded 87 walks in 2026, leading the American League in this statistical category. He maintains a .383 on-base percentage despite limited power production with only seven home runs on the season.
Spencer Arrighetti 2026 season statistics
Spencer Arrighetti, 26, has a record of 7-5 with a 4.60 ERA and 87 strikeouts this season. He is currently on the injured list with nerve irritation in his right foot but is set to return this month.
Daulton Varsho career statistics
In seven MLB seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2020-2022) and Toronto Blue Jays (2023-2026), Daulton Varsho has a .229 career batting average with 106 home runs, 321 RBIs, and 62 stolen bases across 747 games.
Daulton Varsho 2026 season statistics
Daulton Varsho is batting .243 this season with 7 home runs, 26 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases over 99 games for the Toronto Blue Jays. He also has 19 doubles and is hitting .280 in his last 15 games.
Houston Astros surge into first place in AL West
The Houston Astros are on a winning streak, winning 11 of their last 12 games, which propelled them into first place in the American League West division.
Houston Astros acquire center fielder Daulton Varsho from Toronto Blue Jays
The Houston Astros finalized a trade to acquire center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. The trade was pending physicals for both players. Varsho, 30, is a 2024 Gold Glove winner set to become a free agent after the season. The Astros are responsible for covering the remainder of Varsho's $10,750,000 salary.
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2 alternative perspectives
Dodgers acquire Rortvedt from Mets to address catching depth
Dodgers acquire Rortvedt from Mets to reinforce catching depth amid injuries.
Mariners acquire Taylor Ward to strengthen Wild Card push
Mariners acquire Taylor Ward to boost Wild Card push with AL-leading plate discipline.
Arrighetti's 2026 season numbers shape Astros' pitching outlook
Arrighetti's 2026 season statistics highlight Houston's pitching strength amid deadline moves.
Astros acquire Varsho from Blue Jays at trade deadline
Astros acquire Varsho from Blue Jays, move into first in AL West.